CHRISTIEN HOUSE SCHOOLROOM
Why This Stop Matters
This small upstairs room became the first public schoolroom in the Ellison district in September 1894. Before a purpose-built school was available, Joseph Christien opened part of his family home to the community. The classroom represents both the beginnings of public education in the district and the important role local families played in establishing early schools.
The Story
Dorothea Mary Thomson—later Dorothea Walker—was born in the Shetland Islands in 1877. She arrived in the Okanagan with her family in 1892 and began preparing to become a teacher.
In September 1894, at only seventeen years old, Dorothea became the Ellison district’s first teacher. She taught children of different ages together in this upstairs room while the Christien House still stood in Ellison. In 1895, her pupils moved to a newly constructed schoolhouse.
Dorothea taught in Ellison for five years and later taught at Benvoulin. Like many professional women of her generation, she left teaching when she married W. D. Walker in 1904. Many resigned - or were required to resign - when they married. She remained an active member of the Okanagan Mission community throughout her long life.
École Dorothea Walker Elementary School, opened in 1961, was named in her honour.
Inside the Schoolroom
The display shows how an early one-room classroom might have been arranged. It includes objects associated with teaching and learning:
- A wood stove to heat the room
- A desk for the teacher
- Individual writing desks for the students
- A chalkboard
- A bell to announce the beginning of lessons
- Books and writing materials
The wood stove in the centre of the room reminds us how different early classrooms were from schools today. One teacher instructed children of several ages and ability levels, often with limited books, supplies and equipment.
Look Around
As you explore the Christien House, notice:
- The difference between a family home and the mission residences.
- The everyday objects that made life possible.
- The tools used for cooking, sewing, writing, and creating.
- The school room upstairs.
Imagine the sounds of a home and classroom filled with people.
Did You Know?
Long before public schools were established in the area, Indigenous children and children from families of both Indigenous and European ancestry were among those educated at the Okanagan Mission. These early classrooms brought together children from the families and communities forming around the Mission.
Before You Go...
Take one more look around the classroom. Imagine teaching several grades here at the same time. Which object do you think would have been most important to Dorothea—and what would you have found most difficult about attending school here?
Thank you for exploring Father Pandosy Mission. We hope you enjoyed spending time with us today.